Municipal Water District Reminds: Do Not Walk on Boat Docks or Lake Ice

Big Bear Lake, CA — With an abundance of snow this season, the Big Bear Municipal Water District, the agency that oversees the lake, has noticed more than usual snow load on boat docks this winter. Given the extra weight on these floating structures, the MWD notes that extra caution should be exercised; dock owners and visitors need to refrain from walking on any dock. According to Lake Operations Supervisor Travis Carroll, “Extra body weight could potentially sink the dock, causing you to end up in the lake. The snow and ice on docks makes for a very unstable platform that could potentially cause a slip or fall off the dock as well.” In addition to staying off of docks, it is illegal to venture out on to the lake ice, which could result in fines up to $500 for violators. Carroll also tells KBHR, “Snow along the edge of the lake can be very deceiving in terms of where the water actually starts.” Be sure not to risk falling into the water of Big Bear Lake (whether from a dock or the lakeshore) as it could result in hypothermia as, at present, lake temperatures are hovering near 30 degrees.

Heavy snow load on boat docks can present dangers to those who use them. (Photo courtesy MWD)

Big Bear Lake, CA — With an abundance of snow this season, the Big Bear Municipal Water District, the agency that oversees the lake, has noticed more than usual snow load on boat docks this winter. Given the extra weight on these floating structures, the MWD notes that extra caution should be exercised; dock owners and visitors need to refrain from walking on any dock. According to Lake Operations Supervisor Travis Carroll, “Extra body weight could potentially sink the dock, causing you to end up in the lake. The snow and ice on docks makes for a very unstable platform that could potentially cause a slip or fall off the dock as well.” In addition to staying off of docks, it is illegal to venture out on to the lake ice, which could result in fines up to $500 for violators. Carroll also tells KBHR, “Snow along the edge of the lake can be very deceiving in terms of where the water actually starts.” Be sure not to risk falling into the water of Big Bear Lake (whether from a dock or the lakeshore) as it could result in hypothermia as, at present, lake temperatures are hovering near 30 degrees.